“The cavalry, to continue its movement from Ninove upon Enghien.
“The above movements to take place with as little delay as possible.
“Wellington.”
Picton’s division and the Hanoverian brigade marched from Brussels about two o’clock A.M., on the 16th, taking the road to Waterloo by the forest of Soigne; near which they halted to refresh, and to await orders, to march either on Nivelles or Quatre-Bras, (the roads branching off at Mont-St.-Jean,) according as the Duke might direct, upon his becoming acquainted with the real state of affairs in front. Shortly after they were joined by the Brunswickers.
“And Ardennes[14] waves above them her green leaves,
Dewy with nature’s tear-drops, as they pass,
Grieving, if aught, inanimate e’er grieves,
Over the unreturning brave,—alas!
Ere evening to be trodden like the grass
Which now beneath them, but above shall grow